To guarantee compliance with UK regulations, every new build dwelling must undergo Standard Assessment Procedure calculations. This article will outline the procedures and best practices needed to complete SAP calculations. These assessments ensure that your new build project adheres to all regulations.
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Understand The Requirements
Building Regulations Part L1a criteria must be met for new builds, which covers power conservation and outlines requirements that must be fulfilled. Due to the high demand for reducing carbon emissions, additional criteria may be set. It is important to check for any conditions set at the planning stage to improve upon Building Regulations, which may require increases of 10%, 21%, 35%, etc.
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Insulation
Maximizing insulation for thermal elements like walls, floors, and roofs is crucial when meeting Building Regulations Part L1a SAP calculations. Typically, thermal elements are specified with the highest allowable u-value in Building Regulations, but improving upon these figures for SAP compliance is important. Here are the maximum allowable u-values that we strive to exceed. Improvement is our goal rather than merely meeting the above figures.
- Wall/external facade – 0.28 W/m2K
- Floor – 0.22 W/m2K
- Roof (insulated at sloped or flat section) – 0.18 W/m2K
- Roof (insulated at ceiling level) – 0.16 W/m2K
- Glazing – 1.6 W/m2K
- Door – 1.8 W/m2K
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Manage SAP Calculations
Completing SAP Calculations early in your project is crucial for smooth operation. This allows for numerous opportunities, including:
- Design alterations can be easily made to achieve compliance.
- Examining multiple options for lowering the expenses of running or constructing a project is possible.
- Seek contractors’ advice regarding thermal/cold bridging and aspects of the dwelling, such as air tightness.
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Heating
SAP Calculations assess the carbon emissions of a property, and heating is a major contributor. Compliance requires designing the heating system and controls to minimize emissions. If you plan to use a boiler or consider alternative heating, reviewing and designing the heating early is vital. Making small adjustments can substantially impact your calculations.
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Green Solutions
New regulations make it harder to meet carbon-neutral targets, but renewable energy sources can help. Solar PV, Solar water, battery storage, Air source Heat Pumps, Ground source heat pumps or wind turbines can lower carbon emissions and heating costs. These options also ensure compliance with SAP Calculations and future-proof homes.
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Also Consider
Window Glazing – To ensure energy efficiency, it’s important to consider the u & g values of your glazing when designing your project. Openings in your facade are weaker, as glazing is not as high performing as the facade. Specifying good-performing glazing can lower the heat loss through these elements.
Thermal/Cold Bridging – Ensuring compliance with new build regulations involves addressing thermal bridging. This means minimizing heat loss at the junctions between different elements, such as walls and floors. Well-designed thermal bridging details can make compliance much easier. Speak with your assessor to learn more about this important topic.
Secondary Heating – Adding a log burner as a secondary heating source may help you meet New Build SAP Calculations. It’s worth discussing this with your assessor to see how it can benefit you. Utilizing sustainable fuels can increase compliance and efficiency in your home.
